Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil reaffirmed the Marcos Administration's commitment to upholding human rights as the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) formally opened the 14th Edition of the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on June 19.
*Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil (RTVM Screenshot)*

According to Garafil, access to information is a basic human right that must be upheld. "Being the host this year is indeed a testament that the Philippine government recognizes access to information as a fundamental human right that must be upheld," she said on Monday. In his keynote message, President Marcos said that as a nation with a robust democracy, his administration would continuously champion access to information as it remains indelibly etched in the country's fundamental law. "We give life to democracy when we practice democracy. That is why the Philippine government remains committed to institutionalizing access to information in all levels and domains of our government," he said. The ICIC is a global network connecting commissioners, ombudspersons, and other bodies overseeing the implementation of access to public information legislation and policies. Its members are dedicated to protecting and promoting the right to access public information as a fundamental pillar to enjoying social and economic freedoms. On the network's 20th founding anniversary, its annual conference is being held for the first time in Asia with the theme Bridging Information Across Nations: Concretizing the Global Role of Access to Information for Democratic Preservation, Inclusivity, and Development. As a staunch advocate of good governance, Legarda said the most prominent possible defender of transparency should be the government itself, which should begin with civil servants being unafraid of conflict. Through its Freedom of Information Program Management Office (FOl-PMO), the PCO has prepared a lineup of sessions and workshops to explore and examine Asia-Pacific's perspective and practice in access to information. These sessions aim to tackle the opportunities and challenges in the same field. The hosting of the 14th Edition of ICIC was conferred to PCO in June 2022 in Puebla, Mexico, during the preceding edition of the conference. FOl Philippines is the first Southeast Asian member of the ICIC network. The Conference will run from June 19 to 21, 2023.